Castles and palaces in Austria

Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria's greatest cultural treasures. The magnificent Baroque castle has 1,441 rooms and has been an incredibly popular destination for tourists from near and far since the mid-1950s. The castle's history spans more than 300 years, which is clearly felt and seen in the various architectural styles that visitors experience on their way around. The stunning palace gardens have been open to the public since the late 18th century.

Belvedere is a colossal Baroque palace complex located southeast of Vienna's Historic City Centre. The Belvedere Palace itself is divided into a lower and an upper part, with magnificent gallery and museum exhibits stretching from the 17th century up to the present day. The stunning Belvedere Palace Garden is one of Europe's most significant historic gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in Vienna's Historic City Centre, the Hofburg is a former imperial residence. The palace was founded in the 13th century and has since been expanded considerably. Today, the palace grounds include a number of buildings such as the Austrian National Library and the Spanish Riding School. The complex is also divided into different wings which include the Swiss Wing and the Leopoldine Wing and it is easy to spend several hours here as an excursion when on a mini break or perhaps just a weekend break in Vienna.

Tratzberg Castle or Schloss Tratzberg is located in the town of Jenbach, where in the 13th century it served as a stronghold on the border with the then independent state of Bavaria.

The castle has a long history, but today it is very well preserved and is recognised as one of the most important Austrian cultural monuments.

Visit Burg Strechau in Styria for your summer holiday in Austria. Burg Strechau is a castle from the 11th century, built in a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles. It was rebuilt as a Renaissance castle in the mid-1600s. The Italianate courtyard and the Mannerist ceiling painting from 1579 bear witness to this. Take a tour of the castle and see the history and architecture for yourself. Today the castle also houses an extensive vintage car museum where you will find a unique collection of Steyr-Daimler-Puch vehicles. Take a self-drive holiday to Austria and discover the many sights of Styria, where Burg Strechau is certainly worth a visit.

The medieval castle is built on a non-active volcano near the town of Riegersburg in Styria. In fact, the mound is part of the fossilised remains of the volcano that died out millions of years ago. The summit, and thus the castle, is 482 metres above sea level. Therefore, the view of Styria from the castle walls is stunning and getting up close to this well-preserved medieval castle, built at the beginning of the 12th century, is an experience. It is also one of the best fortified castles in Austria, which was necessary as there were often conflicts with both the Turks and the Hungarians. The castle thus became a safe place for many of the people living in the area.

There are regular 'medieval' events on the castle grounds, and a guided tour of the castle is highly recommended.

Ambras Castle is set in sprawling English gardens high above Innsbruck. The building houses Europe's oldest museum, including weapons and armor, art and books. It also houses the Habsburg Portrait Gallery with works by Titian, Van Dyck and Velásquez.

Perched above Villach, Landskron Castle is a medieval hilltop ruin offering breathtaking views over Lake Ossiach and the surrounding Alps. Today, it’s more than a historic site—visitors can enjoy dramatic bird of prey demonstrations in the Adler Arena, where eagles, hawks, and owls soar with powerful grace. Right next door, the “Monkey Mountain” enclosure invites close-up moments with free-roaming Japanese macaques in a forested habitat.

Discover the beautiful area around Vienna in Austria and take a trip to Burg Kreuzenstein's medieval castle set on a wooded hillside idyllically surrounded by forests and hills. Throughout history, Burg Kreuzenstein has always stood as a defence against various intruders. Unfortunately, large parts of the castle were destroyed during a battle against the Swedes in the mid-1600s. In the late 1800s, Burg Kreuzenstein was restored and transformed into a striking medieval museum, which today attracts many visitors. Find a cheap self-drive holiday with child-friendly hotels at Risskov and discover Vienna and the beautiful areas around the world city and of course Burg Kreuzenstein.

Standing proudly above the town of Murau, Murau Castle blends Renaissance architecture with centuries of Austrian history. Built in the early 17th century by the Schwarzenberg family, the castle still belongs to the same noble house today. While the building is not open to the public year-round, guided tours are available during the summer months, giving visitors a rare glimpse into grand halls, antique furnishings, and the legacy of one of Styria’s oldest noble families. The castle courtyard is also used occasionally for local cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions.

On a driving holiday to the beautiful area of Werfen in Austria, you can visit Burg Hohenwerfen, which sits high above the town, surrounded by beautiful scenery and mountains. From the castle there is an unforgettable view of the Salzach valley. Burg Hohenwerfen dates back to around the 11th century. In 1931 it was partially destroyed by a fire, but it was then rebuilt. Since 1987 it has been a tourist attraction, attracting many visitors every year. The castle offers guided tours, falconry displays and much more. On a holiday to Austria you can experience beautiful scenery, beautiful cities and interesting sights. There are experiences for the whole family.

The beautiful white castle was built in Baroque style by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich in 1606. The castle is known for its large geometric gardens with statues, fountains, fountains and beautiful flower beds. Several scenes from the film The Sound of Music were filmed here and it is therefore an ideal place to spend an afternoon, especially for fans of this musical. Mirabell Garden also offers a view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched high above the city.

The imposing Hohensalzburg fortress sits high above the old town and is part of the Salzburg cityscape. The well-preserved fortress is huge and houses several interesting museums and a lovely garden. You can choose to walk up the steep path to the fortress or take the fast track. From the fortress you can enjoy the fantastic view of Salzburg and the beautiful mountains. On your driving holiday to Salzburg in Austria, this attraction is definitely worth a visit.

Castle Hochosterwitz is a prominent historical site located in Carinthia, Austria. Dating back to the 9th century, this castle is perched on a dolomite rock, offering a distinctive and imposing presence in the landscape. It is known for its impressive medieval architecture and features 14 fortified gates, each with unique designs, leading up to the main building. These gates illustrate the sophisticated defense strategies of the past.

The interior of the castle is home to a valuable collection of Renaissance and medieval artifacts, providing a glimpse into historical lifestyles and customs. Additionally, the castle houses a chapel, which is decorated with 15th-century frescoes, adding to the artistic and historical value of the site. Visitors to Castle Hochosterwitz can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Carinthian countryside, making it a notable destination for those interested in history and architecture.

Castle Taggenbrunn, located in the municipality of St. Veit an der Glan in Carinthia, Austria, is a historical site that dates back to the 12th century. This castle stands as a testament to the region's medieval history and has undergone various phases of construction and restoration over the centuries. Its architecture reflects a mix of styles from different eras, offering visitors a fascinating insight into its evolving history.

The castle is situated atop a hill, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the town below. It has played a significant role in the local area's history, having been a center of power and influence in medieval times. Today, Castle Taggenbrunn is not only an important historical monument but also a venue for cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, and private functions. Its picturesque setting and historical significance make it an intriguing destination for those interested in the rich cultural tapestry of Carinthia.

Schloss Lamberg is a beautiful Baroque castle located in Steyr, Austria, at the confluence of the Steyr and Enns rivers. With origins dating back to the 10th century, the castle underwent significant renovations in the 18th century after a devastating fire, transforming it into a grand Baroque residence. The castle is known for its elegant architecture, richly decorated interiors, and stunning views of the surrounding town and rivers.

Schloss Lamberg’s extensive library and charming castle chapel are among its highlights, while the picturesque castle gardens provide a peaceful retreat. The castle also serves as a cultural venue, hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and events like the annual Steyr Music Festival. Its historical charm and cultural significance make Schloss Lamberg a must-visit for those exploring the rich heritage of Upper Austria.